Grading The D Corps (Expectation Free)

We've had expectations since the moment Ohlund played his last game. Who would sign? Who would grow from last year? A bunch of labels have been put on the top 6 since the moment Schneider signed. Now, let's compare these expectations, to some realistic feedback. Post your own expectation grades and reality grades!LEGEND: (E) = EXPECTED. ® = REALITY. O = OFFENSIVE PLAY. D = DEFENSIVE PLAY.

Bieksa (E)

O: B-D: B-

Bieksa ®

O: BD: B

NOTES: Bieksa has played pretty much as well as last year, with alot of people seeing him as going downhill, he has been consistant in his play (good and bad)

Edler (E)

O: B+D: B

Edler ®

O: BD: B+

NOTES: Expected to be the top offensive D-man alongside Ehrhoff before Schneider's arrival, he hasn't quite matched the tempo of Christian offensively, but has played reasonably well defensively.

Salo (E)

O: A-D: B+

Salo ®

O: C-D: A-

NOTES: A healthy expectation of Salo was to be up there in the top 3 or 4 of point getting D-men, utilizing the powerplay, he has been lackluster in that area and disappointing. Perhaps trying to prevent injury, he has fallen back into just his solid defensive work. Watch for him to become more active in the push for the playoffs and into the series itself.

Mitchell (E)

O: CD: A

Mitchell ®

O: CD: A-

NOTES: Arguably our "shutdown" D-man, Mitchell was never expected to put up points, and has been keeping top lines at bay fairly well. Has been strong so far since looking a bit worn out in the last half of last year's season.

Ehrhoff (E)

O: B+D: B-

Ehrhoff ®

O: A-D: C+

NOTES: So far the best acquisition in the off-season, Ehrhoff has matched and exceeded expectations in his offensive game, leading the squad in that category. His defensive play has looked a bit sloppy at times, a decline from his performance with the Sharks.

Schneider (E)

O: A-D: B-

Schneider ®

O: B-D: B-

NOTES: The seasoned vet brought in to help the powerplay, and replace Ohlund's experienced leadership. A decline in his production was expectated, but so far has been more than predicted. His defensive play has been as advertised his whole career. He has been looking better lately, look for him to start to step up more.

Wow I couldn't disagree more with some of those rankings but I guess that's what makes talking hockey so interesting, everyone has a different opinion. In my opinion, Edler has been a big disapointment especially defensively and has not lived up to the high expectations fans had for him to start the season. Ehrhoff had fans really excited about his offensive game when he was signed and has NOT dissapointed. What has been a nice surprise is Ehrhoffs defensive game, I remember when he signed him fans on the boards were worried that he was a minus on a good team like SJ, well "the Hoff" is a plus 11 in Vancouver!! Mitchel has also been a nice surprise I agree he without a doubt Vancouvers shutdown go-to guy but don't look now Mitchel is putting up decent points and is above his carrer high ppg totals from last year. Bieksa has been well Bieksa great sometimes but prone to the odd stupid mistake as expected from previous seasons.